Borders diesels

YOUR correspondent in Operations Track Record (July) found it odd that a newly introduced TransPennine Express train between Newcastle and Edinburgh should run on diesel power under the wires. Indeed, when they are not cancelled, these trains lower their pantographs at Alnmouth and start up their diesel engines for the rest of the journey to Edinburgh.

This is because the Class 80x units have higher power demands than the earlier Class 91 locos, but this requires an upgrade to the power supply (including the installation of 27 new traction power substations) along this stretch of the line. The programme of works is not yet complete.

Surely yet another example of a lack of joined-up thinking in our privatised railway structure, with DfT procuring trains without ensuring the infrastructure was in place to allow their efficient use. Thank goodness CrossCountry and the freight operators are still using diesel power!

Colin Wakeling Berwick upon Tweed